Koit Teng

Koit was born into a sea-faring family of merchant mariners on the island of Hiumma, Estonia. He emigrated to Canada with his family in 1948 after fleeing the ravages of WWII.

Graduating from Maple Ridge High School in 1957 with second highest average in Provincial Government Examinations, Koit went on to obtain his B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics (Honours), and his M.A. in Applied Mathematics, both from UBC.

In 1973, he was appointed first 'Head, Computing Services' at Pat Bay's federal Institute of Ocean Sciences, where he continued to work until his retirement in May 2003. In between, he spent a wonderful year-long sabbatical in Vanuatu in the South Pacific, working for the UN in assisting the Government of Vanuatu as a "micro-computer expert".

Koit received various awards throughout his career including the Deputy Minister's Commendation in recognition of his valuable contribution to Canada.

A quiet, humble, unassuming, kind and generous man, Koit was passionate about sailing. He spent countless (even for him) hours on the water; racing, cruising with family and friends, teaching many a young person to sail, and volunteering with his local yacht club. He was an avid chess player, loved reading (history and current affairs), travelling, and growing raspberries in North Saanich with Uta, his wife of over 45 years.

Left to remember him with love and appreciation for the calm and quiet mentorship he gifted us with, are son Ken Teng (Shauna) grandsons Nevan and Kegan, stepson Harry Rach (Lis) and family Kris and Katie, Stephanie, Madison and Emma, stepdaughter Monica Rach (Hans) and numerous extended family and friends the world over.

A service for Koit will be held in the spring, when he will take a final voyage out to his beloved sea...

In Koit's honour, please consider contributing to the health of our oceans in some way...